Identifying and Solving Problems

For the next two questions, consider ‘you’ to be the current version of yourself, with your exact skills, knowledge, capabilities, and experiences. Do not assume you have advanced abilities.

You have been chosen for a top secret mission. You are being sent to an unknown, unexplored planet in a different galaxy, for reasons you do not know. (You did not even know we could travel between galaxies; that is how top secret this is). The planet may or may not be inhabited. Your job will be to do a complete assessment of the planet. List the parameters you would assess, and why, and any assumptions you will make. *

Maximum of 150 words allowed. Currently Entered: 0 words.

When you return to Earth from your mission, this top secret agency asks for your help solving a major world problem – the pending extinction of the South China Tiger. You wonder why they are asking you, as there are certainly experts out there much better equipped to solve this issue. They tell you that, to save this population of tigers, they need a diverse set of potential solutions from people who think differently than the experts. You may need to learn about the problem before you can generate solutions. Do not worry about evaluating the ideas or considering their feasibility (remember, this agency has technologies and capabilities that you do not fully know about. It is ok to push the bounds of what you think is possible). List all the ideas you can come up with for saving these tigers (this is a real problem, use all of your resources). *

Maximum of 150 words allowed. Currently Entered: 0 words.

What is the name of the Doctor from Gallifrey (not the actor’s name)? You should use all resources available to you to find this answer (i.e., people, the internet). *

List one problem you have encountered that you would be interested in solving and why. Think generally, this does not have to be an issue in science, medicine, or technology. *

Maximum of 50 words allowed. Currently Entered: 0 words.

Reference

Please provide the name and contact information of one Vanderbilt faculty member whom we might contact as a reference. (Be sure to ask this person if they are willing to serve as a reference).